“You laid the foundation for the success that Berbice cricket is currently enjoying and we at the Berbice Cricket Board are proud to honour you as Heroes and role models”. Those were the words of the Chairman of the Berbice Cricket Board Special Events Committee Hilbert Foster when the Board rewarded six outstanding retired cricketers under its ‘Tribute to Retired Cricketers Programme’ on Thursday last at the Board Office, Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
The six players have a combined 120 years playing experience; they are Amos Mc Donald of Kildonan, Akbar Hakim of Chesney, Moses Jaipaul of Bermine, Muniram Lallbeharry of Albion, Patrick Haynes of Police and Sarbdyal Rabindranauth of Rose Hall, Canje.
Foster said that the BCB was determined to reward every player and administrator who contributed to the development of the game in the Ancient County. He expressed the Board’s gratitude to the retired players for their input to the game on and off the field and urged them to pass on their experiences and knowledge to the present junior cricketers in Berbice.
Foster also issued a challenge to the retirees to get actively involved once again in Berbice Cricket by offering their services to a club in their home village or the BCB.
President Keith Foster assured the Awardees that his Board would continue to work beyond the call of duty to lift Berbice cricket even higher while urging them to support the Board in this regard. The President disclosed that over the last three years the BCB has honoured a total of 18 Retired cricketers and said that his administration would continue to honour every Hero in Berbice Cricket.
Treasurer Anil Beharry expressed his delight at the hosting of another such Programme and said, he strongly believes that Heroes of the past must never be forgotten while their contributions must be chronicled for future generations to be inspired.
Patrick Haynes who spoke on behalf of the awardees expressed pleasure at their being honoured.
He and they were all delighted to be considered a Berbice Hero’s. Haynes also pledged that he and his fellow awardees would make themselves available to serve Berbice cricket in any capacity as they were all interested in making sure that the County maintained its position as the best in Guyana.
The burly built former Police fast bowler also urged all young Berbice players to take advantage of the numerous opportunities the Board has to offer them and to always strive for excellence.
The Awardees each received a Tribute to Retired Cricketers’ Certificate, a New GPC Inc hamper and other gifts.
The Special Events Committee of the BCB expressed thanks to the Marketing Department of the New GPC Inc. and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club for their sponsorship of the 2011 Edition of the Programme.